Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts WHY Do I Want to Include Maker Centered Learning in my Practice? Practicing maker centered learning has given me a new direction in my teaching. It’s not so much that it’s changed my philosophy, it’s more that it has given me a clearer path. I’ve spent my career trying to find ways to empower children to know and utilize their strengths. I have worked to provide opportunities for children whose strengths weren’t being met in the regular classroom. This has meant planning and teaching enrichment classes that supplement classroom instruction as well as opportunities that replace classroom instruction. It has meant designing after school programs like drama club and Odyssey of the Mind so that all interested students can participate. Maker centered learning allows students to take more control of their learning. It fosters 21st Century skills that moves the primary focus away from a list of defined content competencies and towards four defined areas which are critical...